To the editor:

I am concerned about New Ventures' latest request to increase the numbers of trucks going to Crow Lane landfill, if you can call a legal maneuver backed up with a threat of a lawsuit a request. New Ventures was previously bringing in 35 trucks and they want to increase it to 70 trucks per day. This would increase the size of the landfill and neighbors would be subjected to another summer of toxic fumes. People will not be able to enjoy using their back yards for cook outs and will have sleepless nights again. We will be back to making phone calls at 1 a.m. and having headaches, running noses and burning eyes.

The landfill is very close to a day care center, nursing home and complex for seniors. The fumes are very harmful to children and seniors, many of whom already have health issues. Some seniors and families can't afford to buy air conditioners and so have to open their windows in the summer.

Traffic safety is another important issue. In the past, the drivers of the trucks often turned right leaving Crow Lane, even though they were only allowed to take a left turn. This is another reason why I am very concerned about allowing New Ventures to haul in 70 trucks per day. It is especially bad during the summer when school is out: There will be more kids on bikes and skateboards, which will multiply this danger.

Next on my list is the fact that New Ventures never cleaned our streets to remove any toxic dust the trucks left behind. If there were any toxic dust on our streets, it would be washed down the drains in a rainstorm. Twice as many trucks will leave twice as much toxic dust on our streets!

Seventy trucks per day is going to take a toll on roads. New Ventures is not going to help repair any damages their trucks cause our road — we'll have to pay for that too.

The city must not be intimidated by New Ventures' latest demands. The city has to take a strong stand and not back down. More people need write and let the city and state know how you feel about the landfill. If we let New Ventures have its way, we have only ourselves to blame.

MARY WOLF

Newburyport